Get safe online

We rely on the internet for
managing aspects of our daily lives. Unfortunately, there are
also people who use our transport networks who are intent on
exploiting the internet to defraud and abuse you, and we’d like to
help you to protect yourself against them.

The widespread availability of internet access –
together with more advanced mobile devices and apps – also
means that we can do a lot of these things whilst travelling, or
out and about.

We’ve put together some top tips to help you keep
safe. For more information, click on the link and it will take you
to more comprehensive, expert advice from Get Safe Online which is
easy to follow.

Look after your devices

Because
smartphones, tablets and laptops are easy to carry around, they’re
also easy to lose, drop or have stolen. Today’s devices act like
computers, communication devices and, increasingly, wallets, so
it’s very important you keep them safe from loss, theft and damage
by not leaving them unattended in carriages or cafes, not dropping
them under trains or down the toilet, or not falling asleep when
using them. Also, we are always on the lookout for pickpockets, but
you need to keep your mobile devices secure from them, as you would
with your wallet or purse. Always protect your device with a PIN or
passcode.

Safe Wi-Fi

Keeping your confidential communications and
transactions (like private or work email, shopping and banking) to
yourself is vital to avoiding fraud or identity theft.
Unfortunately, you cannot rely on public Wi-Fi to be secure –
whether it’s free or paid for – as what you’re doing could be
intercepted. Our advice is: don’t use public Wi-Fi if you need to
keep what you’re doing to yourself. Instead, use 3G or 4G (even if
they’re slower), use a broadband dongle, use a VPN (Virtual Private
Network), or wait until you get home or to the office.

Be aware of who’s around & behind you

Trains and stations (including catering outlets)
are incredibly busy places, and if you’re doing something
confidential on your phone, tablet or laptop, there’s a chance that
somebody may be checking it out over your shoulder. They could be
completely innocent, fraudsters or opportunists. Always be aware of
what’s going on around you, and be vigilant for ‘shoulder
surfers’.

Searchable devices

If possible, turn off features such as Bluetooth,
AirDrop and contactless payments as in crowded places, these could
potentially be used to compromise your phone or send you
unwanted/inappropriate content.

Contactless payments

With the widespread ability to make contactless
payments of up to £30 without Chip and PIN, it’s easy to pay for
refreshments, travel and other purchases whilst on the move. This
is done with your contactless payment card or phone-based solutions
like Apple Pay or Barclaycard Pay Tag – or Oyster Card for travel.
However, contactless payments do have their drawbacks, such as card
clash (inadvertently paying with the wrong card or device) and also
the ability for your card or phone to be intercepted without your
knowledge, and money to be stolen. Look after your contactless
cards and phone and consider investing in a purpose-made wallet to
protect them from these problems.

The tips on this page cover some of main issues
you need to be aware of when using our rail networks. Get Safe Online offers
comprehensive advice for everyone using the internet, and we advise
you to update your knowledge.